Launch Pad Build Thread

[jms]

Well the big box arrived!

I absolutely loved the launch pad that's built below:

http://www.vernk.com/Construction/80...chivedPage.htm

I did try to contact the original author through PM but was unable to reach them, hopefully if they see this thread they can weigh in with suggestions.

The Plan

1) Made with parts from 8020 as much as possible.
2) Support both 1515 and 1010 rails.
3) Allow for any size launch rod to be attached (drill chuck or otherwise).
4) Allow for a bolt-on launch tower of various sizes.


The "pad" part needs to be precision cut from your local laser/water jet company. I have attached the .dxf file so that you can literally just email it to someone and they can cut the parts up. I did not go with an octagon as the original poster did, I chose a rounded rectangle design. I am hoping you can literally download the DXF, and copy/paste my parts list and be ready to build one.

DISCLAIMER: I am waiting for my local water jet company to finish cutting the plating, I have not yet test fit, or bolted everything together. If you send out the DXF and the plate doesn't fit the design or anything else, don't blame me! Also, I this is the beginning of the bill of materials, so I am not sure of fasteners, etc. I'll update this post as parts change.

8020 Parts List:






I'll be updating this post with the full list of parts from 8020. If you're in Canada, I have found a great place in Ontario that has low cost shipping and is an authorized 8020 retailer, PM for details.

So right now, I am waiting for the water jet to come back, and then I'll start updating this post as I assemble everything.

[bobkrech]

Justin

Thats a nice pad.

In the US, our local 80/20 distributor will cut, assemble and deliver an 80/20 product for a 50% premium. That a real bargin.

Bob

[jms]

Nice! It really is a gorgeous design, of which I can take no credit for. There will be a few tricks along the way to make it all work, but I think it will be a build once and forget kinda pad.

[DRAGON64]

That is definitely a ncie pad. Looking forward to the finished product.

[Zonie]

Yeah, that is a very cool pad. SARA, the Tucson AZ club, has similar pivot plates. They work pretty well.

Well the big box arrived!

I absolutely loved the launch pad that's built below:

http://www.vernk.com/Construction/80...chivedPage.htm

I did try to contact the original author through PM but was unable to reach them, hopefully if they see this thread they can weigh in with suggestions.

The Plan

1) Made with parts from 8020 as much as possible.
2) Support both 1515 and 1010 rails.
3) Allow for any size launch rod to be attached (drill chuck or otherwise).
4) Allow for a bolt-on launch tower of various sizes.


The "pad" part needs to be precision cut from your local laser/water jet company. I have attached the .dxf file so that you can literally just email it to someone and they can cut the parts up. I did not go with an octagon as the original poster did, I chose a rounded rectangle design. I am hoping you can literally download the DXF, and copy/paste my parts list and be ready to build one.

DISCLAIMER: I am waiting for my local water jet company to finish cutting the plating, I have not yet test fit, or bolted everything together. If you send out the DXF and the plate doesn't fit the design or anything else, don't blame me! Also, I this is the beginning of the bill of materials, so I am not sure of fasteners, etc. I'll update this post as parts change.

8020 Parts List:






I'll be updating this post with the full list of parts from 8020. If you're in Canada, I have found a great place in Ontario that has low cost shipping and is an authorized 8020 retailer, PM for details.

So right now, I am waiting for the water jet to come back, and then I'll start updating this post as I assemble everything.

[David]

After seeing the great 80/20 pad on Vern's site, I built the same pad last summer, with two modifications. I added an articulated bracing arm. It slides along one leg to lower, and then locks once raised, providing addition rigidity. Second, I added a 1010 rail to the front of the 1515, for flexibility. The 1010 slides right off.

[David]

trying to attach photo of pad with modifications